Wondering about last resort attacking when it comes to black bears?

Question

First off I live in an area where black bears are most common, I know that they are the most timid, but also the most liable to attack. I understand all the precautions to avoid bear attacks and what you shouldn't and should do while hiking as I am an avid hiker and camper. With black bears I hear that intimidation and non-submissive behavior is best. If the bear is threatening, you should attack, but technically won't this make the bear more angry or would it realize you're 'too much' to handle and not worth it and run away. With that I'm wondering what is the best/quickest way to deter, whether that means to intimidate, injure or kill the black bear, by using a knife if bear spray isn't on hand.

Answer 1

Black Bears are not the most liable to attack, but they are often confused with the cinnamon bears that are more aggressive, your best bet is to not attack, but to back away still facing the bear, to deter a bear stand up straight raise your hands over your head to seem larger to the bear and yell as loud as you can.

I learned this from the forest Rangers, while I was camp hosting in the National Forest.

Answer 2

It is never smart to attempt to provoke, or more so attack a bear!!  You are more likely to survive an encounter by first trying to slowly back away from the bear, but if the bear pursues, try to find a hiding spot, and play dead. Any predator is detoured by already dead game. If the bear is nearing you , and there is no way you could possibly avoid it, try to make yourself as large as possible, and make loud noises. Personally, whenever i go hiking, i carry a sling shot at hand. It is possible to scare a bear with this by shooting near it, but i would not reccommend it.

Best of Luck!!